I Can't Get Up

February 22nd

I simply could not get up.  That was how it was.
The body clad in a large lead dress was down and out.
The legs remained straight and still as a rod despite my effort.

The muscles without nerve signals are always on the break.
And those muscles dye before I know it.
Aware or not, little by little.

The dead zone of muscles are spreading.
Abdominal muscles, back muscles, muscles around waist,
No matter how much effort I put in to stand up firm,
Without holding onto something with both hands,
my body collapses and
Falls flat on the floor, like an abandoned puppet.

I fear for the day when I turn into a puppet.
The day will come for sure
Before long.  No, please!

MAMA came.
Broiled salted yellowtail, meat 'n potato, congee with pickled plums.
And tea was delicious.

I took a shower.
After taking a shower, I put on make up.
It cheers me up.

MAMA came again to
Do laundry for me
In silence.
She is not talkative.  She comes on time and she leaves when it's done.

MAMA has been weight training to push me in a wheelchair.
She prepares without words.  That's how she is.
Thank you.

KP came
He cleaned the humidifier, tidied cords for me not to trip over.
Negative ion infusion.  It works.
I feel ion entering into neurons.
I feel as if the neurons started to fire again and revived.

I will be able to get up tomorrow.
When KP comes, I can get up.
It's a wonder.
I feel hopeful.

With you I went to a neighborhood eatery.
It was delicious as usual.
KP ate up dishes for two.

Hope lies in tomorrow.
I will be able to get up with you someday.

Poem by Maria Franki

Edited and translated by J. Ujiie

©2011